The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) says 12 of their bright pink emergency flotation devices known as the pink buoys have been stolen in the Garden Route.
Drowning Prevention Manager at the NSRI Andrew Ingram says the devices were stolen during the festive season from beaches between Mossel Bay and Sedgefield.
Since the project started in late 2017, more than 1800 of these buoys assisted in saving the lives of at least 177 people.
This project is made possible by corporate and public sponsorship of R1 500 per buoy.
If any person has a pink buoy without NSRI identification it has probably been stolen from a pole.
National spokesperson Craig Lambinon says theft of a Pink Buoy may cost someone their life.
"If you see a pole that is missing a Pink Buoy please call the cell number on the pole to let us know so that we can replace it" he said
